Deanna Paul

Associate

212 335 2035

dpaul@wmhwlaw.com

Deanna is an experienced trial lawyer who represents individuals and corporations in high-stakes and sensitive criminal and civil legal challenges. Her practice includes white collar defense, government investigations, regulatory enforcement, and complex civil litigation. Deanna also advises clients and journalists on First Amendment and emerging issues in media law. She has tried more than two dozen cases to verdict in federal and state court.

In cases involving criminal or regulatory enforcement, Deanna has guided institutional and individual clients through investigations initiated by the Department of Justice (DOJ), the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), and the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA).

At WMHW, Deanna also maintains a diverse civil practice. She has litigated cases concerning defamation, sexual assault, discrimination and retaliation, and advises clients on labor and employment disputes.

Deanna served for six years as an assistant district attorney in New York City, in both the Brooklyn and Queens District Attorney’s Offices, prosecuting child homicides, felony sex crimes, and cases of domestic violence.

Prior to joining WMHW, Deanna was a legal affairs correspondent for The Wall Street Journal and a national and breaking news reporter for The Washington Post. During her journalism career, she was part of the Post team that was a finalist for the 2019 Pulitzer Prize in Explanatory Reporting. In 2022, Deanna received the New York Press Club Award for political reporting and the Newswoman’s Club of New York’s Front Page Award for her reporting in the wake of the ruling that overturned Roe v. Wade.

Activities

Professional Affiliations

Federal Bar Council American Inn of Court

Association of the Bar of the City of New York (2013–present)

  • Criminal Advocacy Committee (2022–present)
  • Communications & Media Law Committee (2020–2021)
  • Domestic Violence Committee (2015–2017)

New York American Inn of Court

Academic Appointments

Adjunct Professor of Trial Advocacy, Fordham University School of Law

Adjunct Associate Professor of Media Law, Columbia Graduate School of Journalism